Happy New Year! As we say goodbye to last year, let’s look ahead to a bright and promising year filled with opportunities, connections, and community spirit. With February upon us, we’re excited to bring you The February issue of The Connection Magazines, your trusted resource for all things local.
This month, we celebrate the joy of shopping small and supporting the incredible businesses that make our community thrive. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, whether you’re looking for a unique treasure, a personalized touch, or simply the convenience of shopping close to home, our local businesses are ready to help you find the perfect gift. Their personalized service and commitment to quality set them apart—and they’re right here in your neighborhood.
In addition to celebrating local businesses, The Connection Magazine is your one-stop guide for all your needs, whether you’re exploring health and wellness, financial planning, real estate, home remodeling, or decorating ideas.
Looking for fun ways to make the most of these winter months? Be sure to explore our Community Calendar in print or online! It’s packed with exciting activities for children and adults alike. Winter is the perfect time to discover all that our community has to offer, and we’re here to help you stay connected to the best events and happenings.
Don’t miss our Family Adventures column, “Wrap Up and Get Outside.” Even though it’s cold out, there are plenty of fun and educational activities to participate in this winter. Joanne
Kleinle gives the rundown on the programs being offered by the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge. Visit them to learn all about maple sugaring or to boost your step count on a “Woodland Walk.” There are also many programs geared exclusively to kids. And remember to dress WARM!
Learn all about how to use SnapChat safely from our talented teen writer, Adithya Bharath, a student at Basking Ridge High School. He points out that, Snap Chat is “…simple, fun, and fleeting,” but there are risks. Our Teen Voice writer covers all the caveats to be aware of when using this popular app.
ON THE COVER:
Warren-Watchung Edition: A magnificent winter scene graces our cover. The serene landscape and soft hues invite one on a winter walk through the woods. Natasha Malenkova’s inspiration for painting Winter Night was, “The stunning colors…combined with the tranquil and mysterious charm of the forest.”
Bernards-Ridge Edition: The artwork on our cover was created by Serena Bocchino. The piece, Waves of Joy, is from her Porcelain Series, in which she incorporates pieces of porcelain into the paint. The colors of this piece reflect the hues she encountered during her travels to China. Serena is inspired by “exploring the connection between sound, color, and movement,” which is a function of her synesthetic experience of “seeing sound.”
Bridgewater-Somerville Edition: Leila Zhou, a student from Bridgewater-Raritan High School, is our February cover artist. The delightful and human-like penguins look right at home on the street of this idyllic town. She was inspired by the Beatles’ album cover, “Abbey Road,” depicting the band members crossing the street. Leila named her piece, March on Abbey Road and was motivated by “envisioning a world where all of us could share the Earth peacefully and respectfully.”
As we embark on this New Year together, I want to take a moment to thank you, our readers, for your continued support. It’s your enthusiasm for local businesses and your commitment to our community that inspire us to create a magazine that truly connects us all.
Here’s to a February filled with love, connection, and plenty of local discoveries. Keep this issue of The Connection Magazine at your fingertips, on your coffee table or kitchen counter, as your go-to guide for everything you need, all in one place. We’re proud to be your partner in making this community a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
Warm wishes,
Anna Petro
Publisher, The Connection Magazine